Melanie Morse MacQuarrie was an American actress best known for her roles in Prom Night, Murder by Phone, and appearances in various television series.
Personal and Family Life
Born Melanie Virginia Sydney Morse on June 13, 1945, in London, England, she was the daughter of actors Barry Morse and Sydney Sturgess. Her family moved to Canada when she was just six years old, allowing her to pursue acting from a young age. She had a brother named Hayward Morse and was married twice, first to Christopher Root and later to Don MacQuarrie. She had two children in total.
Career
Melanie began her acting career in theater and television, performing in notable productions such as the Canada Shakespeare Stratford Festival and shows like Street Legal, where she played Judge Dixon. She also had roles in films including Prom Night and Murder by Phone. In addition to her acting, she worked as a drama instructor at Ryerson University for over 30 years.
Death and Legacy
Melanie Morse MacQuarrie passed away on February 1, 2005, in Montague, Prince Edward Island, Canada, due to a heart attack. Her contributions to theater and television, particularly in Canada, are remembered fondly. She was a dedicated performer and an advocate for Parkinson’s disease research, participating in her father’s benefit projects.
Filmography
| Title | Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Street Legal | Judge Dixon | 1988 |
| Murder by Phone | Woman Speaker | 1982 |
| Prom Night | Henri-Anne | 1980 |
| Encounter | (as Melanie Morse) | 1961 |
| First Person | Jenny (as Melanie Morse) | 1960 |
| Startime | Hazelmae (as Melanie Morse) | 1959 |
| CBC Summer Theatre | (as Melanie Morse) | 1955 |
| Noises in the Nursery | 1952 |